Okay, I’m a month late. I’m SORRY! I’ve been so wrapped up in other things that I haven’t had a chance to finish my WPPI posts. So here it is, late at night, and after a VERY productive day I’m going to do post three of four. Some people consider the parties to be one of the most important parts of WPPI. And man, we partied. When I say partied, I don’t mean we got trashed every night. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, or because it’s never really been thrilling to me, but I’m not one to go out and get drunk very often. It’s pretty damn rare actually. So when I say partied, I mean that we went to SEVERAL parties. Sometimes multiple in one night.

The big night was Monday night – there were like 5 parties going on in one night. We made it to two. I thought that was doing pretty good, but when others were posting that they were up ALL night, I realized that I’m not the partier that I used to be LoL!

Our first party stop of the evening was at the Prohibition Rebellion party, sponsored by Madera. I really, REALLY love Madera’s books, so when I got the email and it was themed with this particular era, I was in! Ladies, I’m sure you can all relate – when you’re all dolled up and looking cute, usually you aren’t carrying the big huge camera with you. So I apologize for the grain, my point and shoot wasn’t cooperating with me. :)

The Prohibition Rebellion party was at the Artisan Hotel. When we got in the cab, the cabbie didn’t know where we were going which kind of concerned me… what the heck kind of place do they have us going to? These guys know the city! But we climbed in and I found the address, and when we got there it looked pretty normal until we walked inside. ART EVERYWHERE – EVEN ON THE CEILINGS. Umm… YES PLEASE! I loved it!

They had an old school band for the entertainment, Tom was thrilled to see some horns! For anyone lost at that last comment, he plays in a horn band, so seeing some live music is a plus first of all, add horns and it’s a bonus!

My lovely friend Ania found me and we stuck together all night. Tom isn’t as social as I am, so she and I were walking around meeting everyone. It’s funny… she’s local and this was my first time actually meeting her in person!

I ran into Becker and he took a picture of us – he’s really good at that whole self photo thing. I had recently met him at the Anna Be party and pre-party, he said he remembered me… I wonder if he was just being nice. ;) I’m sure he meets a TON of people!

SOMEONE who shall remain nameless wanted to take a photo of the ladies with THE lady, the Mona Lisa. I’ll never tell who. I don’t know who the heck is trying to grope her either. What can I say, we’re a fun group!

So, funny story about the cigar that you see in my hand. We had been walking around Las Vegas, through the smoky casinos, which was a little bit of an adjustment for me, because in Colorado you can’t smoke indoors in public places. I’m sure there are some exceptions, but the general rule is that there is no smoking in restaurants or other public spots, which is kind of nice. So the casinos were not my favorite places to be. Tom and I were relaxing at the Prohibition Rebellion party, and a woman was walking around with cigars and asked me if I wanted one. I was having fun at a 1920’s themed party, so SURE, why not. I’m not a smoker, and had no intention of inhaling any of it – yuck. But she handed me the cigar and matches, and I lit the cigar. Ummm what else do you do with a cigar AND MATCHES? So I’m sitting with my cigar, and THREE people came up to me at once to tell me I couldn’t smoke inside. Okay color me confused. A chick that WORKS there, hands me a cigar AND MATCHES. But I can’t smoke it. So what the heck do I do with it? Look at it? It doesn’t do tricks, people. So, I was very hurt and sad, but I put out the cigar. And carried it around with me all night. Because darnit if I can’t smoke it, IT WAS GOING TO LOOK GOOD. ;)

Ania was bummed when we left, but we had another party to go to. I loved the first party… but I had no idea what was in store at Airplanes and Blazers. The club was in the Planet Hollywood hotel, with a burlesque theme, and it looked like a rhinestone factory had exploded inside. So in short, IT WAS HEAVEN FOR ME. ;)

The main dance floor had dancers on tables, catwalks overhead for dancing, and of course, REALLY LOUD music. I loved it!

There were boudoir photos lit on the ceiling – again, what is it with art on the ceiling in Las Vegas? I think this might be something I have to adopt!

And yes, I liked the main dance floor. Lots of fun, lots of people, although it became a little overwhelming. We made our way into the burlesque lounge – and it was like someone had made a room that was called the EVERYTHING BROOKE LOVES room and called it something else. Awesome lit signs, rhinestones, DISCO BALL CHANDELIERS, and a flippin’ carousel horse!! WITH A RHINESTONE SADDLE. Love love love.

There was karaoke going on in the room, and while that can sometimes be a HORRIFIC experience, it was actually pretty good. The people that braved the stage did a great job, and we hung out for a little bit. Although honestly, there was no one on stage that could compete with the shining centerpiece in the room. I had to go up to it and examine it, and determine how it was built, because I want one. Like, BAD. When Tom saw it, he immediately rolled his eyes because he could hear me take that quick breath in before I could yell “I WANT ONE!”

Yes folks, a rhinestone bathtub. Actually that sentence doesn’t fully capture the awesomeness. A RHINESTONE BATHTUB!!!!!!! Whew. Even looking at the photo now, it reminds me how much I loved it. Any photogs out there that shoot boudoir – CAN YOU IMAGINE HAVING THIS FOR YOUR SHOOTS? Oh man, I love it.

Too much excitement! Both parties were fun, and the decor covered in rhinestones was definitely my favorite… but the Prohibition Rebellion party was nice because we could relax and talk. I’m a social person – I like to meet new people and talk with them. Airplanes and Blazers was so loud that it was pretty much impossible to talk, without screaming directly into someone’s ears.

We took a cab back to the hotel, and when we walked into the room, I felt something funny on my shoe. I looked down and not gonna lie, my heart jumped a bit. I thought there was some sort of HUGE bug on my foot. I didn’t freak out though or scream, I looked a little closer and saw a sock. Ummm… this would only happen to me. Seriously, every time I go out to party something funky happens to me. Not bad, just WEIRD. Things that people don’t believe when I tell them. My best friend Ryan and I have had some REALLY strange experiences. Maybe God chooses us because we have a sense of humor and can deal with it without getting upset. How did I handle this sock? By TAKING A PICTURE, of course. Cue another eyeroll from Tom. It stuck to the sequins on my shoes and followed us back to the hotel. A stowaway! I don’t know where it came from or how long it was there, but I’m pretty sure I don’t want to know too many details. And this happened sober… imagine what the night would have been like if I was half as inebriated as about 75% of the rest of the crowd! ;)

The parties were awesome, although I’m not sure what we will do next year. I know that Airplanes and Blazers is the place to see and be seen… but it was loud. Although no lie, if it’s at the same place, I will have to go JUST TO SEE THE BATHTUB. And the horse. And the disco ball chandelier. And the photos on the ceiling. What do they do with these things when they’re done with them, because I want them!! It was definitely an interesting evening. :) There were several parties the next few nights as well, but we were partied out. I like to party about once or twice a year… other than that, I’m much more of a home cocktail party game night kind of girl. Maybe that’s what we’ll do next year – have a huge suite and have a little party there! Hmm… and the wheels start turning!

I promise I won’t make you wait a month for the next WPPI post. There’s only one more, the people! My favorite part of WPPI, with some funny stories.

Happy Thursday!!